These are places that not only would I feel comfortable staying in them myself, I would also send my clients to them. Snorkeling can be done right on-site while hiking, waterfall viewing and various local attractions are relatively close by. Coconuts Beach Club features Samoa's only, exclusive, Over-the-Water Fales. Okay, heres where things get really good. The overwater bungalows are in shallow water over a tidal, sandy area. The overwater bungalows at Club Med Finolhu Villas feature plunge pools and soaking tubs. Another is Koro Sun, which is in a more affordable price range and floats its water bures on pontoons just off a rocky coastline. Sandals South Coast has a set of overwater bungalows lined up in a heart shape. There are several factors that I kept in mind when considering my favorite overwater bungalows. This shading could result in a decreased survival rate, or at least promote behavioural changes in various components of the biological community. The Aga Reef Resort is located on the Southeast coast of Upolu Island in Samoa. Snoozing to the sound of waves gently lapping all around you, climbing down the ladder from your private patio into a calm, crystal blue lagoon, catching sight of the Milky Way against a dark sky through your retractable bedroom roof: for beach lovers, staying in an overwater bungalow in a tropical locale is the pinnacle of a perfect vacation.But those one-with-the-sea vibes come with a steep . For the cheapest prices, look to travel in off season, away from holiday periods, and when the weather might mean more rain. Each has a large sun deck, expansive bedroom with a King bed, and a high traditional Samoan ceiling. After landing you can then either choose to rent your own vehicle and drive about 2 hours to the resort or you can use the resorts 24 hour shuttle service for a small fee. Featuring six overwater bungalows, which they refer to as over-the-water fales' in their literature, the resort also has suites and villas for guests to select from. Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort is the only boutique hotel in Tuamotu Archipelago, located on one of its most beautiful atolls. Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a privately owned island situated three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. Superior Water Villas are wooden bungalows that sit on top of reinforced stilts with a thatched roof. The overwater bungalow concept originated in Tahiti in the mid-'60s, when a group of American expats bought and rebuilt a decrepit Raiatea hotel and creatively repositioned its . Along with an alcohol-free atmosphere, Banana Island Resort Doha boasts a spa and wellness center, a surf pool, a dive center, a 20-seat movie theater, a bowling alley and a putting green, as well as five restaurants serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to retro American diner favorites like burgers and milkshakes. It's estimated that worldwide there are something in the region of 8000 overwater bungalows - or overwater villas as they're sometimes called - concentrated in approximately 200 resorts. The ultimate bucket list item: staying in an overwater bungalow. Cons: While some options represent the highest-end overwater experience, others in this region might be more rustic and less luxurious. We stayed at the Overwater Fale. This time, Im letting you in on a little secret. Open to the expansive deck with sliding glass doors, the bathroom features and opaque ceiling, bathing the room in natural light. (Courtesy of Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma). These stunning islands rival the South Pacific in terms of reputation for coveted ultra-luxury accommodations and otherworldly scenery. Exclusive deals. The bungalows at the Holiday Inn Resort measure approximately 550 sq feet each, accommodate two adults and offer unrestricted access to the lagoon. Cons: Expect accommodations overall to be much pricier than those that might be found in other regions, like Central America. We welcome your feedback. El Nido is situated in a cove of the mountainous Apulit Island in Taytay Bay in North-eastern Palawan. These architecturally-designed Over-the-Water Fales are unlike any accommodation anywhere in the world. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. These bungalows offer all the benefits of staying in an all-inclusive resort, plus extras like private transfers, butler service and a private infinity pool, hammock and outdoor living space. It lies about 1,600 miles (2,600 km) northeast of New Zealand and 2,200 miles (3,500 km) southwest of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Each is a one-bedroom bungalow with a cascade shower bathroom, and a deck with a hot tub overlooking the dazzling water. The Holiday Inn Resort has ten, and next door, the Warwick Le Lagon Resort has four. Its ideal for romantics who want a small resort because, with just 45 total rooms, each guest receives personalized service. Travelers who want a convenient all-inclusive experience in an overwater bungalow should look into the Chairman Overwater Bungalows at the Royalton Antigua. Pros: Because the resort is spread on two islands, it feels like you're staying on your own private one. Cons: Many of these locations can be quite a journey from the US and expensive, before even factoring in arduous, pricey flights, not to mention jet lag. Fiji's Koro Sun Resort sprawls over 160 acres on the island of Vanua Levu. As with most resorts there's a glass-bottom floor, infinity plunge pool, outdoor shower, 24-hour butler and a ladder that leads into the sea. Nothing was too much for the staff, they went over and above what was expected, always friendly and super helpful. Hide. Situated about an hour southeast of Negril, this resort sits along a 2-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise water among a 500-acre nature preserve. These lodgings are perched atop calm, shallow waters and crystalline lagoons that are striated into every imaginable hue of blue. Here you'll also find lots of great activities to join in on, both within the resort and nearby. Do keep in mind that the seafloor tends to be mostly sand here, which makes for great swimming but you wont see as much fish through the glass panel on your floor. There's no better place to embrace Samoan history than at the waterfront Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows.This harbourside hotel is located just steps from Apia's city centre and within walking distance of the Samoa Cultural Village and the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve where you can snorkel to observe sea turtles and beautiful . In addition to a spa with the only "snow room" in the Maldives, this resort features a kids club, four restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to spend time kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving and more. While Fiji only has a few properties with Overwater Bungalows like Likuliku Resort, it is unique due to tidal movement on reef lagoons. On-site amenities:Spa, activities, water sports, restaurant. All overwater bungalow hotels provide excellent service and picture-perfect amenities to ensure each property meets your lofty expectations. All rights reserved. Prices start in the low $300s and include full board with no catch. Youll also find overwater bungalows with the best views of land and sea, both out over the water and down below coral and fish swimming below the bungalow, rather than just sand, get top marks. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and twins. "Overwater structures shade aquatic habitat and limit ambient light penetration, affecting macrophyte and phytoplankton primary production. In general, bungalows in the Caribbean and Central America are cheaper than you'll find in Asia and the South Pacific. The territory, which is part of Polynesia, includes the six . On-site amenities: Spa, restaurant, pool, bar. Sandals South Coast, Jamaica. 7 Nights Link on TravelByJen.com or call for help 1-800-603-3178. Pros: This hotel is surrounded by incredibly unspoiled natural beauty with no crowds in sight. Guests can dine at the property's three eateries or indulge in a private meal for two on the resort's piano deck. Guests who choose this particular resort will have access to an on-site spa, water sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks, three restaurants and two bars. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, Jamaica. If adults-only peace and quiet are important, then ensure your resort doesnt allow kids and offers intimate, personalized service. The location itself is also a favorite and guests praise the views that come with each room. Overwater accommodations sit on stilts above the tropical waters, each with an expansive balcony with loungers, a bathroom with an oversized tub, and a shower that opens to the sea. On that note, I especially love bungalows in deep water, because theres nothing like being able to jump in right from your private deck! The Cook Islands has an Adults Only beautiful, barefoot-luxury overwater bungalow resort on the island of Aitutaki called Aitutaki Lagoon Resort. A white, sandy beach and breathtaking, tranquil blue waters provide the perfect setting for this stunning boutique retreat surrounded by exotic tropical flowers and lush greenery. The CDC said people who are vaccinated can travel safely, though their current recommendations are for travel within the US. Special bonus points went to places with something unique and creative about them. The resort features plenty of traditional accommodation options, as well as overwater honeymoon suites with a roomy sun deck, an outdoor shower, an outdoor soaking tub for two and an overwater hammock. Overwater villa options include the two-bedroom Ocean Pool House, which features a spacious outdoor deck and a sunken outdoor hot tub that juts out over the water. American Samoa, officially Territory of American Samoa, unincorporated territory of the United States consisting of the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago, located in the south-central Pacific Ocean. Think an overwater bungalow is out of reach for bargain hunters? The world's second-largest double barrier reef surrounds the islands of New Caledonia, where a lagoon teems with a kaleidoscope of fish and sea-life. Please use the drop-down menu and select your departure point. These stunning bungalows feature over 1,000 square feet of tranquil bliss. Overwater bungalows: 6 Beds: One kingsize bed Wi-Fi: No Room service: No Special room features Sitting area Private bathroom facilities Oversized bathtub Double vanity Waterfall shower Large outside deck Island decor Glass bottom floor area to view the sea life Air conditioning Ceiling fans Coffee/tea making facilities Electronic in-room safes